If you want your Buffalo-Niagara car donation to count for this tax year, the IRS rule is simple: the donation date is the date your vehicle is physically picked up—not when you call or fill out the form. That means your car must be towed away on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s return. Because trucks book up fast, we strongly recommend you schedule pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Wheels for Hope works with Heritage for the Blind to provide fast, free pickup Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday season.
Wheels for Hope proudly serves donors across Buffalo-Niagara—whether you’re in North Buffalo, Elmwood Village, South Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Hamburg, or Niagara Falls. We’ll accept most vehicles running or not, with no inspection or repairs needed. After your car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C when required), but your deduction year is locked in as of the pickup date. Take two minutes now to secure your pickup time, support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and lock in your tax deduction before the year ends.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute Buffalo donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact details, vehicle info, and Buffalo-area pickup location—whether it’s a driveway in Kenmore, a garage in Amherst, or a lot in South Buffalo. You’ll choose preferred pickup windows before December 31 so our team can match you with a local tow truck quickly.
Choose a pickup date before December 31
5 minutesTo meet the IRS deadline, select a pickup date that’s on or before December 31. Schedule at least 3–5 business days ahead so we can confirm a truck in the Buffalo-Niagara area and avoid holiday and weekend backlogs.
Get your free tow in Buffalo-Niagara
Varies by slotHeritage for the Blind’s towing partners come to you anywhere in Buffalo-Niagara—North Tonawanda, Lackawanna, Williamsville, and more. They’ll handle the vehicle at no cost, even if it doesn’t run, has a dead battery, flat tires, or hasn’t passed inspection.
Sign the title and keep your pickup proof
5–10 minutesAt pickup, you’ll sign over the title and receive a basic receipt. That pickup date is what the IRS treats as your donation date, so as long as it’s on or before December 31, your deduction applies to this tax year when you itemize.
Receive your tax acknowledgment and Form 1098-C
After vehicle sellsOnce your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment—and IRS Form 1098-C if the gross proceeds exceed $500. Use this document with Schedule A when you file. The eligible deduction year remains the year of pickup, not the mailing date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Donation date = pickup date
For the IRS, your car donation date is the day the vehicle is actually picked up or delivered—not when you schedule or sign online. To deduct it this tax year, the tow must occur on or before December 31.
December 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
If your vehicle is towed away anytime on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction for this tax year, assuming you itemize. A January 1 pickup, even if scheduled earlier, applies to next year’s taxes.
Form 1098-C for $500+ vehicle proceeds
When Heritage for the Blind sells your donated vehicle for more than $500, they issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross proceeds from the sale, which generally sets the maximum amount you may deduct.
Itemizing with Schedule A
To use your car donation as a tax deduction, you must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor to see which option is better for your situation.
Written acknowledgment mailed after sale
Heritage for the Blind mails your acknowledgment (and Form 1098-C if needed) after your vehicle sells, typically within IRS timing rules. The year you claim the deduction, however, is tied to the pickup date, not when you receive the letter.